Hi! I’m Iva — the woman behind Sirenas del Surf, your future surf instructor, and an Argentine living in Ecuador for more than 10 years.
I’ve taught many women how to surf for the very first time, and beginners who always felt drawn to the ocean but didn’t know where to start.
And because this is one of the questions I receive the most, today I want to answer it from my own experience:
Is Ecuador a good destination for beginner women surfers?
Short answer: yes — absolutely.
Long answer: let me take you through it.
🌊 Why Ecuador Is Perfect for Your First Surf Experience
After more than 10 years living on the coast of Ecuador and guiding women in the ocean, I can confidently say this: you don’t need to be experienced or super sporty to start surfing. What you do need is curiosity, an open mind, and the desire to try something new.
I’m originally from Argentina, but Ecuador stole my heart — its beaches, its nature, and the community I’ve found here. Now I teach surfing in a relaxed, safe and empowering way with Sirenas del Surf, helping women discover the joy of catching their first waves.
One thing I love about surfing here is that we’re not limited to just one beach. Within a 30-minute radius we have several surf spots for all levels — from soft, rolling beginner waves to slightly more playful ones when you’re ready to level up.
We move around, searching for the conditions that feel perfect for you that day.
Most beaches have sandy bottoms (which is amazing when you’re learning), the water is beautifully warm, and the vibe is simple: calm ocean mornings, relaxed coastal towns, and that deep sense of connection that surfing gives you.
You don’t need a wetsuit most of the time.
No-need to be fearless.
You don’t need to know anything before arriving.
You just show up — and I’ll take care of the rest.
💛 A Safe and Supportive Environment for Solo Women
Whether you’re traveling through South America or taking a short vacation, Ecuador is an easy and welcoming place to land. The coastal towns are small, calm, and walkable, with a friendly local vibe and a mix of travelers, yogis, nature lovers, and women exploring on their own.
After more than 10 years living here, I can say that life by the ocean feels simple, grounding, and spacious — the perfect environment if you’re looking to reset, reconnect with yourself, or try surfing for the first time with full support.
✨ Easy Logistics = More Time in the Water
One of the things I appreciate the most about teaching here is how close everything is. You don’t need to travel hours between surf breaks or change cities constantly. In Ecuador, everything is compact:
You can wake up, walk to the beach, read the ocean, warm up, grab your board, and surf — all within a few minutes.
The rhythm is slow, calm, and perfect for beginners who want to learn without pressure.
🌺 A More Affordable Surf Destination
Compared to Costa Rica, Chile, or Brazil, Ecuador is still a very accessible place to learn how to surf. Food is fresh and local, accommodation is more affordable, and you can live well without spending too much. This gives you more freedom to stay longer, practice more, and enjoy the experience instead of rushing it.
🐚 The Emotional Side: Why Ecuador Helps Beginner Surfers Feel Safe
Learning to surf brings up a lot of emotions — excitement, yes, but also fear. Fear of the waves, fear of “not being good at it,” fear of being watched, fear of starting late.
I see it all the time.
But something special happens here.
The quiet beaches, the warm ocean, the wildlife, the sunsets, the slow pace… they soften you. They help you relax into the experience. You stop comparing yourself, you stop rushing, and you start connecting.
Surfing becomes less about performance and more about presence.
Many of my students tell me:
“I thought I was coming to surf, but I ended up reconnecting with myself.”
That’s the magic of Ecuador.
🌞 What You Really Need to Bring
Honestly? Not much.
A bikini or surf leggings, a rashguard, sunscreen, a reusable bottle, and an open heart. If you join a surf experience, I provide the board and everything else you need. What matters most is your mindset — letting go of pressure and allowing the ocean to guide you.
🧜♀️ A Quick Comparison With Other Surf Destinations
Costa Rica is beautiful, but it’s often more expensive and crowded.
Peru has great waves, but colder water and stronger swells.
Brazil is huge and can be harder to navigate if you’re short on time.
Ecuador sits in a very sweet spot: warm water, uncrowded beaches, accessible prices, and a relaxed vibe that makes it easier to learn. After living here for over a decade, I’ve simply gotten to know the coast well — the tides, the moods of each beach, and which spots feel safest for beginners. That local knowledge helps me choose the best place for you each day, so you can focus on enjoying the experience and feeling supported in the water.
🌊 Ready to Start Your Surf Journey?
If you’re feeling the pull to learn how to surf — to try something new, to feel stronger, to reconnect with yourself — I would love to guide you.
At Sirenas del Surf, I offer women-only surf experiences designed especially for beginners:
• gentle, personalized surf lessons
• a warm, supportive environment
• yoga and ocean connection
• slow mornings, nature, and adventure
• the safety of being guided by a woman who knows the ocean deeply
Whether you’re traveling solo through South America or dreaming of your first surf trip, Ecuador is one of the best places to begin — and I’d be honored to be part of your surf story.
If you’re ready, come join me in the water.
